Eden Dora Trust: Raising Money to Provide Training for Adults Working with Children Affected by Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injury

This year, in honor of Louis Tomlinson's 24th birthday, we are raising money for The Eden Dora Trust. The Eden Dora Trust raises money to provide training for adults working with children affected by Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as well as fund research and raise awareness of this debilitating, life changing illness.

The charity's namesake, Eden, was left with ABI following Encephalitis in March 2011 and had to relearn how to walk and talk. You can read more about Eden's story here. For most children, their rehabilitation is school, but most schools and teaching staff are not equipped with knowledge of the condition or how to support the complexities of an ABI, often called a hidden illness because the child looks the same as prior to the injury, but tasks that were once simple are now much more difficult. Louis is a long-time support of Eden Dora Trust and said:

I had never heard of Encephalitis or acquired brain injury until I met Eden. As I spent more and more time with her it soon become apparent the real and serious issues this brave little girl faces. Despite her illness Eden is a truly incredible little girl and we have become great friends 

When Petrina and Phil asked if I would consider becoming a patron of their charity I was honoured, there was no doubt in my mind and of course I said yes. I told them I will do everything I possibly can to help raise awareness so I can help other people like Eden. I am incredibly passionate and driven to make a real difference with this brilliant charity.

We are proud to be supporting Eden and Eden Dora Trust this year. We're currently planning lots of new things to raise money! We've got a hedgehog Louis bear that will be up for auction in a few months as well as new merch on the way. You can donate to our charity drive here:

http://www.justgiving.com/louis24

If you'd like to join in the planning of Louis' charity drive, contact the Louis team leaders on the team page! And be sure to follow 1dfansgive and 1dfansgivelouis on twitter to get the latest news on the charity drive!